Which calibrator ?

lurkio · 11 Mar 2016 at 16:49

Hi Folks,
Does anyone have any experience with using a calibrator?
Do you have any advise as to which one to purchase?
Pros/Cons etc

Would really like some input from you guys who are in the know

Rafid · 12 Mar 2016 at 06:05

If quality and control are your main consideration

Datacolor Spyder5Elite
X-Rite i1Display Pro

Loicthegreat · 12 Mar 2016 at 08:06

Does calibrating a TN panel make sense ?

mgreaves · 12 Mar 2016 at 20:21

I have been looking into this myself recently, and what I have learnt is summarised below.

There are two sets of options with each having a range of 3 main versions, from Datacolor (the Spyder5 Express/Pro/Elite) and from X-rite (Colormunki Smile/ Display and i1 Display Pro). Prices are roughly ~£70, ~£120 and ~£170.

The Spyder5 hardware is pretty much identical for all three versions, the main dfffrence is how flexible the software is,.

The Colourmunki Smile hardware seems to be basic. The other two options from X-rite use similar hardware (although the i1 Display Pro calibrates a little quicker than the Colormunki Display), again the difference between these two is how flexible the software is.

Both systems can be used with third party software (including freeware), so you can get all of the capability by using the cheaper options.

The hardware for the Colormunki Display / i1 Display Pro seems to be a little better than the Spyder5 hardware, but these are similar in price to the Spyder5 Pro and Elite (and more expensive than the Spyder5Express. The best lowest price option therefore seems to be the Spyder5Express, however if you want better performance then the Colormunki Display is a better choice. I have just ordered this, but haven't received it yet.

Further info on the options can be found herehttp://www.avsforum.com/forum/139-display-calibration/1997586-new-spyder-5-vs-i1display-pro-colormunki-display.html

lurkio · 17 Mar 2016 at 21:43

Anyone else care to weigh in on this subject ?

Sabbath · 17 Mar 2016 at 23:17

I have been using a Spyder 2 pro for about 9 years, although reading about it now people say it isn't good enough for these new monitors, I still use though to calibrate my monitors and as far as I am concerned it still does the job. I am a hobbyist photographer and it works for me. If I was to buy another I would buy a Spyder 5 pro and if I did maybe I would see the difference (if any) between the 2 and the 5.

Psycho Sonny · 3 Aug 2017 at 09:40

which one offers ease of use and value for money?

i have dual screens but both screens are entirely different.

VA - 1080P - 60hz
TN - 2K - 144hz

Bazzards · 3 Aug 2017 at 09:46

Can these calibraters work on LCD TVs as well?

Psycho Sonny · 3 Aug 2017 at 11:04

Bazzards said:
Can these calibraters work on LCD TVs as well?

yeah it would be good to get a calibrator that you can use on tv's as well without having to use a PC as input. e.g. if i wanted to calibrate sky Q, etc.. can anyone recommend one?

Toss3 · 3 Aug 2017 at 12:47

I own the Colormunki Display and regret not spending a bit more for the i1 Display Pro(wasn't in stock at the time nor was I patient enough to wait a couple of days), even though they are basically exactly as accurate (i1 Display Pro is faster though, and can be used with most monitors/software). Also recommend using DisplayCAL instead of whatever crappy software it ships with. Calibration makes a huge difference so definitely worth it especially if you own more than one device!